• Place flags: Saturday, August 29, 9 to 11 a.m.
• Remove flags: Tuesday, September 1, 9 to 10 a.m.
Anyone can help, and all are welcome!
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
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| Shop now: https://embracing-unique.myshopify.com/ |
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| During Mental Health Awareness Month take the time to ask “How are you really doing?” |
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FM #1502 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1502 in the series.
This session shares the first part of the International Overdose Awareness Day candle light vigil held by the SAFE Coalition on Sunday, August 31, 2025. The vigil was held on the Franklin Town Common. This first part was conducted from the stage at the gazebo. The second part, recorded by Franklin TV, was held right near the flags planted on the Common.
Speakers
Jennifer Knight-Levine, CEO | Co-Founder
Jim Derick, Director of Family Recovery | Co-Founder
Rev Doreen Oughton, Franklin Federated Church
Anthony, member of SAFE Coalition with his recovery story
The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1502-ioad-safe-coalition-vigil-08-31-25/
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For more about the SAFE Coalition, visit their web page ->
https://www.safecoalitionma.org/
International Overdose Awareness Day -> https://www.overdoseday.com/
Photo album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/eUJRuDrhDoZfSMp18
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share, and show you what, and how we do what we do
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| flags to honor those who passed during 2024 |
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| Reminder: Community Vigils for International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) - August 31, 2025 |
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| Ali Rheaume to present session virtually on Disability Awareness - Aug 27, 2025 |
"The Turkish proverb reminds us that sometimes we fail to see the bigger picture, allowing ourselves to be swayed by influences that aren’t in our best interest. The axe, cleverly disguised as one of the trees, represents how easy it is to be fooled when we are not paying attention. The lesson is clear: always question who benefits from the choices we make and whether we are being led by wisdom or manipulation.
"In today’s world, awareness is key"
In today’s world, awareness is key. By staying conscious of the systems and influences around us, we can protect ourselves and make decisions that are truly in our best interest. "
U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA), and Mike Lawler (R-NY) introduced a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to designate November 2024 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative aims to draw attention to the importance of prevention, early detection, and research to curb lung cancer, which remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In the United States Senate, the resolution is led by Senator Tina Smith (D-MN).
"Lung-cancer screening saves lives. The difference between early and late detection of a tumor is often a matter of life and death," said Rep. Auchincloss. "Washington needs to do more to advance awareness of screening and to support research and clinical care."

Bipartisan Resolution to Designate November 2024 as Lung Cancer Awareness Month
"Lung cancer impacts families and communities across the country. This resolution is an important step in raising awareness, encouraging preventative measures, and supporting groundbreaking research to save lives," said Rep. Boyle. "By coming together, we can ensure more Americans have access to the tools and resources needed to combat this devastating disease."
"Lung cancer is the deadliest and one of the most common forms of cancer," said Rep. Lawler. "We simply must do more to raise awareness and combat this deadly disease. That's why I'm joining Congressman Brendan Boyle in introducing a bipartisan resolution recognizing November as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. One life lost to lung cancer is too many. Together, we can build a future where the devastation of lung cancer is no more."
The resolution highlights the need to increase public awareness campaigns, expand access to screening programs, and invest in life-saving research through federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Request SAFE Coalition's Hidden in Plain Sight at your next parent/caregiver event. This interactive display and presentation teaches guardians how to identify substances within a teen's bedroom and how to have supportive, healthy discussions with their children about substance use.Email info@safecoalitionma.org to schedule.
FM #1267 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1267 in the series.
This session shares the 4th Annual International Overdose Awareness Day vigil held on the Franklin Town Common on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
SAFE Coalition co-founders, Jen Levine and Jim Derick welcomed the group. Jen spoke first and introduced Rev Jacob Juncker who led the group with a brief prayer. Meg spoke next of her recovery journey and the loss of her brother. Jim Derick spoke of his journey and the loss of his son. Rev Kathy McAdams closed with a prayer.
The group then lit candles, there were a few other remarks but my audio didn’t successfully pick those up. Franklin TV did record the event also. When the video is available, we’ll share that too.
The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1267-ioad-safe-vigil-08-31-24/
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International Overdose Awareness Day -> https://www.overdoseday.com/
SAFE Coalition -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/
-------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"